A Magnetic Presence: Siemens New MRI Systems Pulling More Patients Toward the Benefits of MR Imaging
November 20 2007 - 9:30AM
PR Newswire (US)
Siemens New MRI Systems Set Trends Again: MAGNETOM Verio Brings
High- Resolution MRI to More Patients than Ever Before and MAGNETOM
Essenza Delivers the Newest Technology at the Most Affordable Price
MALVERN, Pa., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens Medical
Solutions (http://www.usa.siemens.com/medical) is once again paving
the way to increased access to essential imaging services with the
introduction of two new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems.
At a 1.5 Tesla (T) magnetic field strength, the MAGNETOM(R) Essenza
is the most affordable*, all-new MRI system on the market today. It
was designed from the ground up to deliver high-field imaging at a
low purchase price with similarly low installation and operational
costs, compared with traditional MRI systems. The Essenza helps
smaller healthcare facilities offer a new range of imaging services
that were previously unavailable. Siemens new MAGNETOM Verio
combines excellent image quality at 3T field strength and a 70-cm
open bore that offers exceptional patient comfort in one solution.
Additionally, the Verio increases access to high-field imaging
services for patients who previously could not be imaged, like
patients who are obese (up to 550 lbs.) or claustrophobic. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO ) Both of
these systems offer Siemens unique Tim(TM) (Total imaging matrix)
technology, which eliminates the need for patient repositioning and
manual coil changes during scans, while significantly enhancing
image quality. Tim technology can help MRI departments achieve
advanced clinical and workflow capabilities. Siemens will showcase
these new systems along with a host of other MRI innovations at the
93rd Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological
Society of North America (RSNA) from November 25 to 30 in Chicago
(Booth #7713, Hall B). "Siemens is helping to break down barriers
and opening up access to MR imaging," said Walter Marzendorfer,
president, Siemens Medical Solutions, MR Division. "Our
technologies provide solutions for providers and patients that
address everything from workflow improvement to the cost of
technology to medical conditions that previously hindered MR
imaging for those who needed it most." MAGNETOM Essenza, the Most
Affordable, All-New 1.5T MRI Siemens recently introduced the
groundbreaking 1.5T MAGNETOM Essenza, an MRI system that can be as
much as $500,000 less than other, new 1.5T systems.* The system
offers innovative technologies that support a facility's clinical
and financial success. In addition to the low initial investment,
savings of up to 25 percent can also be attained on installation
costs for space, power requirements and construction.* In part,
this is due to the magnet's light weight of only 3.5 tons. This
gives a facility more installation options as the magnet can be
installed on higher floors. Furthermore, the MAGNETOM Essenza has a
short length of only 145 cm, which is the second shortest system
length offered by Siemens. If the system is replacing an existing
MRI, it can reduce energy consumption by up to 50 percent thanks to
its high-performance electronics.* The magnet also has zero helium
boil-off so there is no need to regularly refill the expensive
cooling substance, and the system is always ready for operation.
With powerful 30 mT/m gradients, the Essenza delivers excellent
image quality for all clinical applications. Another innovation on
the Essenza is the IsoCenter Matrix coil, which is installed at the
center of the magnet, so it is always in the correct position,
providing a simple workflow solution that leads to outstanding
image quality. In October, Siemens opened voting for a national
contest at http://www.winanmri.com/. The program invites healthcare
facilities with 180 beds or less that currently do not have a fixed
MRI system to display their creativity and dedication to patient
care by stating a two-minute case in short videos that prove why
they should receive a free, new Essenza MRI from Siemens.
Individuals from across the country can view the videos on the Web
site and choose which facility they believe is most deserving of
the MRI system. The facility whose video receives the most votes
will be awarded a brand new MAGNETOM Essenza. Voting for this
contest will close on Dec. 31, with the winner being announced in
mid January. MAGNETOM Verio and the Industry's Most Exciting
Equation 3T + 70 cm + Tim Siemens also introduced the MAGNEOTM
Verio, the world's first 3T MRI with a 70-cm open bore. Siemens is
still the only company to offer open bore technology at 1.5T and
now introduces that imaging strength at 3T. This configuration
leads to improved patient comfort, better workflow and reduced
costs in high-end MR imaging for the diagnosis of challenging
diseases. The Verio represents a complete new class of MRI
technology that delivers high-field diagnostic imaging to patients
who typically have not had access to MR imaging. Due to the
system's 70-cm bore diameter, the average distance between a
patient's eyes and the magnet is 30 cm, greatly alleviating
concerns of claustrophobia in many patients. In addition, the wider
space makes it possible to scan patients who could not be examined
with the MRI system in the past, including those suffering from
kyphosis (limited mobility) or those who are in pain, as well as
pediatric and obese patients up to 550 pounds, those who are
dependent on medical devices, those who are in intensive care, and
those having to undergo intraoperative procedures. With a system
length of only 173 cm, the MAGNETOM Verio is currently the shortest
3T MRI system on the market worldwide, while having the footprint
of a 1.5T MRI system. Furthermore, it is equipped with a light
magnet of six tons, compared to other 3T systems. Thanks to the
system's smaller dimensions and lower weight, the installation
costs for the MAGNETOM Verio are minimized and the system also uses
a zero helium boil-off technology. With Tim technology, coil setup
for procedures on the Verio is easy and fast, and acquisition times
are significantly reduced. Up to 102 seamlessly integrated matrix
coil elements and up to 32 independent radio frequency channels
combine to enable advanced clinical applications on the MAGNETOM
Verio, which can quickly and reliably allow physicians to evaluate
complex pathologies. Even advanced applications can be performed as
part of the daily routine, like syngo(R) DTI (Diffusion Tensor
Imaging), which provides complete 3D views of neuronal fibers just
by pressing a few buttons. The MAGNETOM Verio is available in a
T-class configuration for shorter order-to-report turnaround time
and a seamless workflow, and it is available in an I-class
configuration that is capable of performing Siemens most advanced
applications. Continuous Table Move Scanning with syngo TimCT
Orders for syngo TimCT have grown significantly since its general
availability in July 2007. syngo TimCT is available exclusively on
Siemens' T- class systems at 1.5T (MAGNETOM Avanto, Espree and
Symphony) and at 3T (MAGNETOM Trio and Verio). The revolutionary
syngo TimCT application allows physicians to acquire one complete
planning scan, or peripheral angiography, in a single, continuous
move. With syngo TimCT, the table is not required to stay in a
fixed position to acquire images. Instead the table moves
continuously as it does during a computed tomography (CT) scan,
while Tim enables the signal to be acquired simultaneously. The
results are significant speed-ups of workflow, increased image
quality and the ability to perform new applications. "Workflow has
been greatly simplified. Previously, we needed up to twelve work
steps from patient positioning on the MRI table to data
acquisition, but today we only need six," said Jorg Barkhausen,
M.D., assistant medical director and acting head, University
Hospital Essen, Germany. "This saves time and also reduces costs
while increasing diagnostic safety. At the same time, syngo TimCT
improves the image quality as the body region just being scanned is
in the center of the magnet." Advances in MRI Breast Spectroscopy A
recent study published in Radiology found that proton MRI
spectroscopy may eliminate 68 percent of biopsies for benign
non-mass breast lesions found on standard MRI exams without missing
any cancers.(1) Siemens' solution for quantitative MRI breast
spectroscopy, syngo GRACE, allows physicians to obtain essential
metabolic information about the biochemical composition of breast
lesions. This additional information helps physicians better
distinguish between malignant and benign lesions to potentially
reduce the risk of unnecessary breast biopsies. Using choline as a
biomarker, syngo GRACE provides improved differential diagnosis and
enhanced confidence in therapy monitoring. About Siemens Medical
Solutions Siemens Medical Solutions is one of the world's largest
suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned
medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative
strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in
knowledge engineering, including information technology and system
integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens
Medical Solutions will be the first fully integrated diagnostics
company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy,
and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by
consulting and support services. The company delivers solutions
across the entire continuum of care - from prevention and early
detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Siemens Medical
Solutions employs more than 48,000 people worldwide and operates in
130 countries. According to U.S. GAAP, in the fiscal year 2007
(Sept. 30), Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of Euro 9.85
billion, orders of Euro 10.27 billion, and group profit of Euro
1.32 billion (preliminary figures, unaudited). Further information
can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/medical. * Results
may vary. Data on file. (1) Bartella L, et al "Enhancing Nonmass
Lesions in the Breast: Evaluation with Proton (1H) MR Spectroscopy"
Radiology 2007; 245: 80-87. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Siemens Medical Solutions
CONTACT: Mark Palacio of Siemens AG, +1-610-448-1477, Web site:
http://www.siemens.com/medical http://www.winanmri.com/
http://rsna2007.rsna.org/rsna2007/V2007/index.cvn
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